Beach Bag Essentials

Accessories, Beauty, Fashion

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It’s finally my favorite time of the year: summer! The city is bustling, and everyone is truly happier with the sun out. I love spending my weekends by the beach, either with friends or a lazy afternoon with a book. My #1 find this season is this monokini from Naja. Not only is this swimsuit super cute, but also made from recycled plastic bottles: double win!! I love shopping from brands that are socially and environmentally conscious, and support a great cause! (For more about Naja, their products, and company, check out http://www.naja.co/)

I love to complete this look with a straw boater hat, metallic slip-on sandals, and these gorgeous sunglasses from Quay. I like to keep my beach beauty regime simple and limited to BB cream for light coverage and tinted lip balm(with SPF for extra protection).

And of course, don’t forget the sunscreen! It’s better to be safe than sorry! I love the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheen Body Spray sunscreen because it’s super easy to apply and doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily or heavily drenched in product.

Let me know what are your summer bag essentials that you absolutely cannot go to the beach without??

-N ❤

(P.S. This is not a sponsored post or ad)

Products in this post: 

Ipsy Newbie: My First Glam Bag

Beauty, Makeup

It’s finally here!!! After being on the waitlist for months, I received my first Ipsy Glam Bag this month. For those that aren’t familiar with this company, Ipsy is a monthly subscription service that requires you to pay a monthly fee of $10 and sends you a glam bag of 4-5 beauty products based on your style and preference.

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With the onset of spring (in some lucky locations), this month’s theme was “Floral Fantasy” and here is a list of the products that I received:

Pixi by Petra Mesmerizing Mineral Duo Eyeshadow in the shade ‘Apricot Glow’

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Crown Oval Concealer Brush (C224)

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NYX Butter Lipstick in the shade ‘Pops’

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Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter

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Coolway Glow Oil Treatment

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Total Box Value: $36.25

Review: I absolutely loved the eyeshadow, it’s extremely pigmented and I love the colors (one can never go wrong with a classic champagne and pink).

I was also psyched to receive the NYX butter lipstick because I have been meaning to try them for ages. However I was disappointed with the shade that I received. I’ve never been a fan of brown lipsticks, and with the amazing color range available in this line, this seemed to be the most boring color to receive. Nevertheless this lipstick is so pigmented, it has excellent color pay off and truly glides on like butter!

As for the rest of the products, one can never have too many makeup brushes, and I gladly welcome them! The Chella highlighter was OK, and I wasn’t too stoked with the hair oil.

Final Verdict: I was somewhat satisfied with my glam bag. It was pretty basic, and hopefully I will receive a more exciting one next month.

Do any of you subscribe to Ipsy? If yes, I would love to hear your opinion on this month’s bag, Ipsy, or other similar services that you subscribe to! 🙂

Until next time,

N ❤

Daily Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Beauty, Skincare

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Hello Everybody!

I was lucky enough to have clear skin during my teenage years, but am one of the unfortunate few that suffers from acne in my twenties. In the past year, my acne had been getting only worse. Not only did I suffer from oily skin and daily breakouts, but the acne would also leave behind dark spots on my face that would take months to disappear!

I had tried everything. Strong cleansers, acne spot treatment creams, expensive acne treatment kits, and even medication. But nothing seemed to work! However last month I re-discovered the perfect product. I incorporated it into my daily skincare routine and voila, I had the perfect combination of acne treatment products that have been effectively combating my problem and have even reduced the appearance of my acne spots.

Here are the steps of my daily skincare routine (I follow this twice a day, once in the morning, and then at night before bed):

1) First, let me introduce you to the product that changed it all: Noxema’s Ultimate Clear Anti-Blemish Pads

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My mother introduced me to this when I was 12 and I used it until I turned 18. No wonder I hardly suffered from breakouts and I don’t remember why I stopped using this but these cleansing pads are amazing! I remembered about them during my last run at the drugstore and decided to give them a try once again. And sure enough, they solved everything! After taking off all my makeup (I use Clean and Clear’s Oil-Free Makeup Wipes) , I use one Noxema pad to scrub my face. They do tend to sting a bit and the scent is putting off, but you can see all the dirt, grime, oil, and residual makeup on the pad once you’re done cleaning your face!

2) CLEANSE: I then immediately rinse my face with Clinique’s Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam (you can get it for $20 from Sephora). And this is definitely pricier when compared to drugstore cleansers, but I find that many of them cause me to break out. This is also extremely gentle and light on my skin.

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(Tip: Cetaphil is a great alternative cleanser. It is not only cheaper but also works great for dry skin. Since most acne treatment products tend to dry out your skin, Cetaphil helps restore your skin’s moisture.)

3) MOISTURIZE: I then apply a moisturizer all over my face. This is essential for an ensuring an even surface for applying makeup during the day, and a must before bed since it helps restore your skin.

4) SPOT TREATMENT: Additionally, I also use the following products at night before bed:

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I cover my post-acne marks with this Demelan Cream. This was suggested to me by my dermatologist, and has truly helped in fading out these spots. However do not worry if you cannot get your hands on this. Another alternative for fading out acne spots is aloe vera gel and is easily available at any drugstore!

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I also apply this Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Clearing Gel on any new breakouts. This helps combat and diminish the size of any new acne in just a few hours. However this product is very strong and tends to dry out your skin. So I suggest using very little product on any new spots instead of lathering it on completely on your face. I picked this up in a sample size from Sephora and it has lasted for the past six months.

So there you go guys: my daily acne skin care routine. I have been individually using these products for quite a while and swear by them. But remember that everyone has different skin types and acne conditions, so what works perfectly for me might not work as well for you. But do let me know if you choose to use any or all of these products and how this combinations works out for you! Also what are your go-to acne treatment products? 🙂

Until next time,

N

Saved By Smirnoff: Fixing Broken Makeup

Beauty, Makeup

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I recently broke one of my favourite blushes (Mac’s Pro Longwear Blush in Rosy Outlook) and was completely devastated. But have no fear, fixing broken makeup is really as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Here’s what you will need: 

  • Rubbing Alcohol or Good Quality Non-Flavored Vodka
  • Spoon
  • Tissue Paper or Makeup Wipe

Let’s get started:

1) Be brave and use the handle of the spoon to further smash the broken makeup into a fine powder. Then take some alcohol and pour 2-3 drops into the compact.

(Tip: I did not have any rubbing alcohol at home, so I opted to use some Vodka instead. This works fine but you must use some GOOD QUALITY Vodka so it has a higher alcohol content. I used one with an alcohol content of 43.1%)

2) Add the alcohol slowly, drop by drop, until you get a thick paste.  Smoothen and spread the paste out into the case with the handle of the spoon.

3) Clean around the edges of the compact with a makeup wipe or tissue paper to remove any excess.

4) Let it dry for about 24 hours.

(Tip: If you are in a hurry, use a hair dryer to accelerate the drying process).

Et Voila! Your makeup will be as good as new!

Do let me know how this works for you when you try this out 🙂

-N